Niall FitzGerald information panel:

Name: Niall FitzGerald

Born: In Ireland in September 1945

Career: Over 30 years with Unilever. He spent the early part of his career on the commercial and financial side. He joined the boards of Unilever PLC and Unilever NV in 1987 and has served as financial director, foods director and detergents director until his appointment as vice-chairman and subsequently as chairman and chief executive officer in 1996.

Interests: Jazz, opera, antiques, paintings and sculpture. He is an avid sports fan, supporting Manchester United and the Irish Rugby Team. He also plays golf and has run the London Marathon.

Children: Has four - Tara, a journalist, Colin, an event marketer, Aaron, a student and the most recent arrival Gabriella, born in April 2001.

Why he is in the news: he was in Dublin to speak at the Building Big Brands Forum, organised by JCDecaux, the outdoor advertising owners. The forums feature talks by international marketing gurus.